Assist victims

Survivors of landmine explosions, as well as their families and communities, played a key role in the adoption of the Mine Ban Treaty. States must now complete the task of ensuring that all victims of landmines, cluster munitions and other explosive remnants of war see their needs fulfilled and their rights respected.

To be sustainable, victim assistance should be integrated into broader national policies, plans and legal frameworks related to disability, health, education, employment, development and poverty reduction. Victims should have equal access to services available to the wider population, and also have access to specialized services when needed.

The number of casualties recorded annually has dropped dramatically from 15,000-20,000 people injured or killed each year in the early 1990s to less than 5,000 nowadays, but the global number of survivors keeps growing.

ICBL CALLS

Ensure the participation of survivors in the planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of victim assistance.

Develop an inter-agency and inter-sectoral coordination mechanism. Assign a focal point in charge of victim assistance, with the authority and adequate resources to carry out his/her task.

Collect comprehensive and accurate data about the number, situation and needs of victims, and about the availability of services. Share this data with all relevant stakeholders.

Ensure national laws & policies are aligned with the Mine Ban Treaty, Convention on Cluster Munitions & Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities

Develop a national action plan with a budget and timeline, which is integrated with broader efforts in the areas of disability, development and human rights.

Work towards the full availability, accessibility and affordability of victim assistance services, in all areas where victims live, including rural and remote areas.

Ensure long-term and adequate financial, human and technical resources are available. Allocate national resources and seek international support. Contribute to enhancing the capacity of all actors, including implementing agencies, organizations of disabled persons and NGOs.

Monitor and evaluate the implementation of victim assistance and provide reports every year. Donors should report on the actual impact of their support on victims' lives, especially when financial support is not specifically dedicated to VA but is channeled through the health or development sectors.

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The 15th Meeting of States Parties to the Mine Ban Treaty has successfully concluded, making important progress toward our shared goal of a mine-free world by 2025. Thanks to all who contributed to th
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